Cig Kofte Cooking Class/Night with Traditional Music At Home

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and tradition of Southeastern Turkey with a hands-on experience that will bring you closer to the heart of local life. The Çiğ Köfte Experience at LokalBond offers a unique opportunity to learn how to make one of Turkey's most beloved dishes, all while connecting with new people and feeling a genuine bond with local hosts. Unlike a typical tourist activity, this experience allows you to step into the home of locals, where you'll participate in the creation of Çiğ Köfte, a traditional dish from the city of Urfa, located in Turkey’s southeast.

At this workshop, you'll learn all about Çiğ Köfte – a vegetarian street food that, although now popular as a quick bite from street vendors, has deep roots in the kitchen of Turkish homes. The dish is prepared by kneading a combination of bulgur, spices, and fresh ingredients with the help of your fellow participants. While Çiğ Köfte is commonly eaten as a street snack today, it traditionally brings people together, creating an atmosphere of community as large groups gather to knead and prepare the food while singing and joking.

This experience goes beyond just cooking; it’s about sharing in the culture and the connection that comes with it. You’ll be welcomed into the home of your hosts, where they will introduce you to the ingredients and spices used in the dish. As you knead together, you’ll learn not only how to make Çiğ Köfte, but also the customs, stories, and traditions surrounding this dish that has been enjoyed for generations. You’ll also have the chance to test the consistency of your Çiğ Köfte, as part of the tradition is throwing it against the ceiling to check if it sticks (though for hygiene reasons, we'll skip this part and keep things a little cleaner!).

As you enjoy the meal you've helped prepare, you’ll sit down with your hosts and fellow participants, savoring the flavors of Çiğ Köfte and the bond you've formed. By the end of the evening, you'll leave with not just the knowledge of how to prepare this iconic dish, but also the warm feeling of being a part of the Turkish home kitchen culture. Come as a guest, leave as a friend!